Breadboard Mania: Spinning My DC Motor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using a breadboard to connect a small DC motor with various components, including diodes and resistors. The original poster expresses confusion about the wiring diagram and how to implement it on the breadboard.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct placement of components on the breadboard, particularly the orientation of diodes and their connection to the motor. Questions about the output voltage and the presence of a transformer in the kit are also raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct orientation of the diodes and suggested where to connect the motor. The original poster has acknowledged mistakes and is actively seeking clarification on the wiring setup.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is a first-year physics student with limited experience using a breadboard, which may contribute to their uncertainty regarding the wiring and component connections.

CosB
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This is only my second time using a breadboard, so bear with me. I have 4 resistors(black with silver stripe) and one small DC rotating motor. My goal is to get the DC motor to spin, yet I don't understand the diagram that I have including in the posting. Any advice would definitely be appreciated!
 

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CosB said:
This is only my second time using a breadboard, so bear with me. I have 4 resistors(black with silver stripe) and one small DC rotating motor. My goal is to get the DC motor to spin, yet I don't understand the diagram that I have including in the posting. Any advice would definitely be appreciated!

The diagram you posted has nothing to do with a motor. The symbol on the left represents an AC voltage source (like the AC Mains), the 4 diodes are a full-wave rectifier, and the output capacitor helps to smooth the ripples in the rectified output to give you a moderately smooth DC voltage.
 
I was told that the place where it says C(subscript)L is where I'm suppose to hook in the motor, because that is the location where both currents are flowing in the same direction( maybe I am completely wrong, which is a constant occurrence lol) I guess what i should have asked was, what would this diagram look like on a breadboard.
 
CosB said:
I was told that the place where it says C(subscript)L is where I'm suppose to hook in the motor, because that is the location where both currents are flowing in the same direction( maybe I am completely wrong, which is a constant occurrence lol) I guess what i should have asked was, what would this diagram look like on a breadboard.

Well, the output capacitor has a mostly DC voltage on it, so you could hook your DC motor in parallel with it to power it. What is the output voltage? Does it say in your breadboard kit? Is there a 12V transformer and the rectifier as a building block in your breadboard kit? Can you post a picture of what all this looks like?
 
Yes I can post a picture of everything. For my assignment, all i have to use is one small DC motor, 4 diodes, solderless bb, then just extra enameled copper wire.

As for the 12V transformer as a building block in my bb, that i am not sure of.

Sorry if i seem like i don't have a grasp on the wiring, I am a first year physics student in college so this is brand spanking new to me lol
 

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The diode bridge (yes, those are diodes, not resistors that are black with sliver stripes) are not hooked correctly. The silver stripes are what is called the cathode end of the diode. The cathodes in the schematic (not the pointy end) are pointing in more or less the same direction. In other words, no diode in the schematic points west at all. They all point in an easterly direction. Your breadboard is not wired this way.
 
Averagesupernova said:
The diode bridge (yes, those are diodes, not resistors that are black with sliver stripes) are not hooked correctly. The silver stripes are what is called the cathode end of the diode. The cathodes in the schematic (not the pointy end) are pointing in more or less the same direction. In other words, no diode in the schematic points west at all. They all point in an easterly direction. Your breadboard is not wired this way.

Hey, i actually caught the diode mistake right after i posted the picture! But yes, i have flipped them all to be pointing in an easterly direction now. Glad you saw it and pointed it out!
 
After fixing up the diode direction, here is what i have. (note) the pink wire in the middle is just a reference for where ill be placing a 1-10kOhm resistor. The upper right hand corner shows 2 wires going out of the picture which are attached to a DC motor. The other 2 wires exiting the pic to the left are going to my power source. Please let me me know if i should correct anything (if you can't see it, ill try to get another photo)
 

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